ISLAND IDEAS

NEW LUSH ADVENTURE
The recently launched Ayana Komodo Resort on Flores Island boasts design by leading integrated design firm WATG. Drawing from the rich flora and fauna – and even Flores’ own name, meaning flower in Portuguese, as well as the Komodo dragon in the resort name – WATG has created architecture that recall naturally-occurring elements familiar to the area. The guest wing of the resort curves gracefully and features a roughly textured roof, recalling the famous dragons; another inspiration for the structure is the rugged Manggarai Mountain Range, as well as the ocallyavailable materials and traditional batik patterns. The resort allows guests to truly appreciate the turquoise waters with a 500-meter pier that extends from the beach to the sea and features a dedicated dive centre. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, there’s a catamaran and a 54-metre phinisi ship moored at the pier for the use of the guests. All of this is set in a pristine 1.4 hectare site, with 192 rooms and 13 suites nestled in an extraordinary lagoon with lush beaches.

KID-FRIENDLY
Looking for a plush getaway, but have toddlers in tow? Santiburi Koh Samui is here to save the day with their newly-launched Panya & Yim’s Junior Camp. The 250 square metre space provides a range of activities for their young guests. Indoor activities include drawing, painting and learning to make local handicrafts, or your child can choose to sit in the corner and enjoy the offerings of their little library. The more sportily-inclined can play basketball, or spend the day running around the playground that has a climbing wall and a treehouse. There’s even a karaoke stage for kids to show off their vocals – nothing like starting them young. There are even arts and craft classes that make me feel like signing up – batik painting, candle-making and origami are just a few of the options available.

OPULENT ORCHARD
When thinking about island getaways, rarely do we look to our neighbour down south for inspiration. Grand Park Orchard is here to change your mind. The Singaporean luxury hotel recently won Best Luxury City Hotel at the 2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards in Bali, Indonesia. When it’s described as being located in downtown Singapore, it really is – it’s situated in the heart of Orchard Road, minutes from some of the best shopping and dining spots in Singapore. Each of the 308 rooms are luxuriously appointed, and guests have access to a full suite of facilities that include an executive club, outdoor swimming pool and complimentary shuttles to local landmarks. If you decide not to leave the hotel for your dining experience, checkout their award-winning Mitzo or the Bar Canary